The Deputy Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Joe Mastrolembo, has today announced that the Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (Mungabareena) has been placed under special administration.

Incorporated in 1994, Mungabareena provides a range of culturally appropriate services to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Wodonga, Victoria and the surrounding region.

The Registrar’s office has for many years provided services to improve the corporation’s governance and help resolve internal disputes. The corporation has also been working with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. (VACCHO) on long-term sustainability.

On 17 November 2017 a majority of the directors of the corporation wrote to the Registrar’s office requesting the appointment of a special administrator.

‘Our office has previously notified Mungabareena of our governance concerns and requested certain matters be addressed,’ Mr Mastrolembo said. ‘The special administration will provide the corporation with specialist support to address those matters.’

‘I am pleased that VACCHO have agreed to continue supporting the corporation during the special administration.’

‘We all want to ensure the corporation can continue providing culturally appropriate services to its local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.’

Mr Alan Eldridge of the NSW firm Australian Indigenous Business Services has been appointed as special administrator until 8 March 2018.

The special administrator will work with the corporation’s staff and members, as well as VACCHO, to improve the governance, structures and financial position of the corporation.